Markets rally for second day as Sensex rises nearly 500 points; investor wealth jumps by ₹6 lakh crore

New Delhi : Indian equity benchmarks closed sharply higher on Wednesday, January 28, as sustained buying interest across sectors pushed markets to a second straight session of gains. Positive domestic cues and supportive global trends lifted investor confidence, resulting in broad-based participation.

The BSE Sensex advanced by 487 points to end the session at 82,344.68, marking a gain of 0.60 per cent. The NSE Nifty 50 also finished firmly in the green, climbing 167 points, or 0.66 per cent, to settle at 25,342.75.

Buying was particularly strong in the broader market, where mid-cap and small-cap stocks outperformed frontline indices. The BSE Midcap index recorded a jump of nearly 1.7 per cent, while the Smallcap index added close to 1.8 per cent, reflecting increased risk appetite among investors.

The market rally significantly boosted investor wealth, with the total market capitalisation of companies listed on the BSE rising by approximately ₹6 lakh crore during the session. Overall valuation of listed firms moved closer to the ₹460 lakh crore mark.

Market sentiment was buoyed by expectations surrounding closer economic engagement between India and the European Union, which traders believe could provide long-term growth opportunities for export-oriented sectors. In addition, favourable global cues, including a softer US dollar and positive trends in overseas markets, further supported domestic equities.

Analysts noted that short-covering in several stocks, combined with fresh institutional buying, helped sustain the upward momentum throughout the day. Select heavyweight stocks also contributed meaningfully to the gains, ensuring stability in benchmark indices.